Tibbr 3.5 Hits the Streets With GeoLocation

With the latest version of Tibbr unleashing in February, the need for real-time human interaction in the office has become even more trifling. The next update of this mobile platform adds a geographical component to the mix, guiding users around any setting or workplace, alerting them to its ins and outs. In Tibbr 3.5, the low level clerk -- the guy who messed up the PO -- has been eliminated in favor of cyber leadership. It’s Second Life, for the real world.

Offices in the Clouds

Only a year ago, Tibco revolutionized the work commute, shifting it to the clouds when Tibbr 3.0 debuted. A social enterprise collaboration platform intended to make people, processes and systems work more efficiently, it was the first of its kind, and boasted a number of features, including microblogging, event streams, video conferencing, IMing and SharePoint integration. The interface replicated all functions of an office environment in the virtual stratosphere, allowing employees to engage one another, access updated files and organize meetings under one simulated roof. In a year, the company has acquired around a million active (and paying) users, and aims to exponentially increase that figure with its more sophisticated upgrade this coming month.

Touted as an inverted form of FourSquare, Tibbr 3.5 brings geological functionality to the stage. Described as “checking into you,” this location-centric data hub allows users to mark their setting -- whether it be the grocery store, taxi stop or even, say, a construction site -- and instantly receive information as to product shortages, processing delays, or sites changes. It’s the story of a venue, told via virtual post-it notes. For the business community, it will undoubtedly be a game-changer in problem solving, as it allows one employee to identify a glitch, relay it to the entire team, and enable the necessary players to tackle damage control without the hassle of figuring out who those people are exactly. Basically, it answers questions on the fly, “greatly increasing efficiency and decreasing margin for error.” Out with the stock boy and travel agent, in with Tibbr 3.5.

The best example being thrown around of this innovative development is the airport scenario, a business environment essentially without a central hub. In such a context, challenges with aircraft malfunction, backup on the runway, or ticketing issues, all of which lead to flight delays, are communicated instantly to the organization, including airport staff, pilots and sales teams. Such immediate attention enhances the promptness by which these dilemmas can be solved, improving both worker and customer satisfaction.

In a recent interview with TechWorld, Ray Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, noted Tibbr 3.5 has the additional capacity for “retrospective analysis,” facilitating not only live conflict resolution, but preemptive action as well. "How often does someone arrive at an airport or travel? Why does a plant manager take certain steps during the day? The reality is the post-analysis will be just as important as the real-time capabilities."

Dawn of a New Movement?

In its most basic sense, Tibbr 3.5 can help with grocery shopping. On a larger scale and most importantly, it will have a huge impact on the virtual office. From initial thoughts being posted, the response seems to be why hasn’t this been done sooner? Most trend-followers are predicting a wholehearted embrace. Furthermore, Tibco will incorporate HTML5 to provide a cohesive experience across mobile platforms, acknowledging the range of devices used by employees within a company. Additionally, it will allocate offline access through caching capabilities.

You know how you can’t remember life without Google Maps? Likely, the work world will be similarly dependent on Tibbr 3.5.

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